ICCEHS Brings Together More Than 250 Global Leaders
on International Women’s Day

More than 250 women leaders, diplomats, parliamentarians, ministers, scholars, and civil society representatives from 45 countries participated in the event, reflecting on the role of women in shaping responsible communication in an increasingly complex global information environment. The roundtable provided a platform to explore how women’s leadership in communication can help counter harmful narratives, strengthen social cohesion, and rebuild trust in public discourse.

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Dr Nidal Shoukeir, Executive Board Director of ICCEHS, opened the event by highlighting the historic and continuing role of women in shaping responsible communication. He emphasized that women today are at the forefront of a global movement promoting communication that is ethical, responsible, and deeply human.

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Addressing the participants, he said, "Each of you holds the power to change not just conversations but lives, communities, and nations. Speak boldly. Lead with courage. And remember, when women lead with responsibility, empathy, and courage, the world does not simply listen—it transforms.”

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Dr. Shoukeir also stressed the profound power of language in shaping societies. “Voices matter. Words shape perceptions, build bridges, and sometimes change the course of history. In a world marked by conflicts, divisions, and ongoing tragedies in many regions—including the Middle East—responsible communication is not a luxury. It is a necessity.”

He added that women across cultures continue to demonstrate that dialogue, empathy, and courage can counter hatred and inspire hope, noting that their voices are actively shaping the future of communication.

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H.E. Anne-Claire Legendre, Chairwoman of the Arab World Institute, highlighted that responsible communication has become a cornerstone of modern diplomacy and trust-building between nations.

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“With the ongoing developments in the Middle East, diplomacy is no longer confined to traditional channels or official statements. Today it unfolds in real time across media platforms and public opinion spaces,” she noted.​

She stressed that strategic communication must serve both as a shield and as a bridge in times of crisis and called for coordinated efforts to counter extremist and hate speech.

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H.E. Senator Amira Saber Qandil, Secretary-General of the Human Rights and Social Solidarity Committee in the Egyptian Senate, emphasized that communication has become a central element of governance. “In a world shaped by digital technologies, polarized narratives, and rapid information flows, communication is no longer merely a tool of politics—it is a core element of governance.”​

She added that the narratives promoted by policymakers influence not only public opinion but also social stability and peace, emphasising that responsible communication reflects ethical leadership.

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Hon. Maria Elena Boschi, former Italian minister and Member of Parliament addressed the challenges of communication in the digital age. “The internet was once envisioned as a new public square—a place to exchange ideas and share knowledge. Yet it has also become an arena where reputations can be damaged instantly and harmful narratives spread without borders.” She also highlighted the growing problem of online violence against women, stressing the need for stronger accountability from digital platforms.

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Hon. Neema Lugangira, Secretary-General of Women Political Leaders, noted that today’s global information environment requires new forms of leadership. “Women leaders must not only participate in public discourse—they must help shape narratives, defend democratic values, and rebuild trust in societies facing polarization and disinformation.” She emphasized that responsible communication has become a governance issue, a security issue, and a democracy issue.

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Helga Maria Schmid, Vice-President of the Foundation Council of the Munich Security Conference Foundation, highlighted the urgent need for empathy and responsibility in public discourse. “More than ever, we need responsible communication. We need empathy—and the courage to defend both.” She also stressed that women who speak publicly often face harassment and barriers to participation, calling for greater efforts to ensure women’s voices are fully represented in public debate and decision-making, as these challenges can undermine the quality and diversity of discourse in society.

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Eirini Vantaraki, Chairwoman of the Greek House Davos Foundation, emphasized the transformative role women play in shaping ethical discourse. “Across the world, women are helping to reweave the fabric of public conversation with greater balance, moderation, and humanity.” She also highlighted the importance of amplifying the voices of women whose perspectives remain under-represented in many societies, particularly in areas such as politics, business, and community leadership.

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Prof. Margaret Jjuuko, Coordinator of the Responsible Communication Program at ICCEHS, delivered an inspiring message on leadership and communication. “On this International Women’s Day, let us redefine what power sounds like. Power can be the calm but firm voice of a mother teaching respect or the voice of a community leader building consensus.” She concluded by calling for a collective effort to build a culture of responsible communication “brick by brick, word by word".

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Susi Snyder, Program Coordinator at ICAN, stressed the importance of inclusive narratives rooted in justice and human rights. “Good communication builds trust. Clear communication builds community.”

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Prof. Carol Azungi Dralega, a researcher at the Western Norway Research Institute / NLA University, emphasized that women journalists, politicians, and activists remain among the most frequent targets of online hate speech. She noted that the way societies communicate—both online and offline—plays a fundamental role in shaping democratic and inclusive communities.

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Rajaa Hiyari, policy expert, said it's time to transform responsible communication into a civic culture embedded in education, communities, and digital spaces. “Responsible communication is not only about saying the right thing—it is about building the conditions where truth, dignity, and trust can thrive in public life.”

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The roundtable concluded with remarks from Julie Fidalgo, moderator of the event and host of the One in Tribe podcast. “Responsible communication is not simply a professional skill—it is a public responsibility. Words shape perceptions, narratives shape policies, and communication ultimately shapes the stability of societies.” She concluded by noting that women’s leadership across diplomacy, governance, academia, and civil society continues to play a vital role in strengthening dialogue, reducing polarization, and defending human dignity.